2025/11/13
Breadcrumbs navigation
In mid-November, Luxembourg became the stage for one of Europe’s most significant showcases of artistic craftsmanship. The De Mains De Maîtres Biennale (“From the Hands of Masters”). This year’s edition was particularly meaningful for the Czech Republic, as it was chosen as the event’s honorary guest country.
At the official opening ceremony, Grand Duke Guillaume V of Luxembourg and his wife Stéphanie received an exceptional gift from the Moser glassworks: a hand-cut, richly engraved Belvedere bowl and glasses from the Art Nouveau-inspired Paul collection, all adorned with the Grand Ducal coat of arms. Both artworks were created in the elegant alexandrite shade, a colour that shifts depending on the light and stands amongst the most exclusive hues in Moser crystal. The gift from the Moser glassworks also carried a symbolic meaning, as it was intended as a congratulatory gesture. Grand Duke Guillaume V had ascended the Luxembourg throne shortly before the opening of the biennale in October 2025.
The masterful engraving on the Belvedere bowl was created by engraver Roman Chalupka, who presented his craft at the biennale to both the general public and industry experts. His meticulous work—defined by an exceptional attention to detail and strong artistic expression — stood out as one of the highlights of the Czech Republic’s participation.

“Having the Czech Republic participate as the honorary guest country is an opportunity to strengthen cultural diplomacy and showcase our creativity on the international stage,” said the Czech Ambassador to Luxembourg, Barbara Karpetová. According to the organisers, the Western world is increasingly returning to its roots—to traditional craftsmanship and to the values of handmade work. Therefore, the biennale presents creations whose worth grows over time, with the care and mastery their authors devote to every detail.

Mrs Barbara Karpetová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Luxembourg
The idea to invite the Czech Republic as the honorary guest originated during the meeting of the Czech presidential couple with the Grand Ducal couple the year prior. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg and the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, a unique opportunity emerged to present the richness of Czech craftsmanship to an international audience.
The 2025 De Mains De Maîtres Biennale, held from November 19–24 in the iconic State Bank of Luxembourg, offered a representative cross-section of Czech glassmaking, ceramics, jewellery, textile art and design. Moser showcased a peacock vase with delicate engraving by Tomáš Lesser — recipient of the France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres — alongside the brutalist Magnus vase designed by Moser’s Creative Director Jan Plecháč, and the Microcosmos vase featuring an engraving based on the artwork of illustrator Michal Bačák.

Left to right: Magnus vase, Peacock, and Microcosmos
The Czech Republic’s participation in the De Mains De Maîtres Biennale not only significantly strengthened the international prestige of Czech craftsmanship, but also reinforced cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The biennale reaffirmed that handmade work, tradition and artistry maintain an irreplaceable role in the modern world. And that the Czech Republic truly stands amongst the global elite in this field.

Moser Export Manager Lenka Karonis with the Grand Ducal couple